What Happens to The Brain During a Case of Sleep Apnea?

If you have or suspect that you have sleep apnea, you likely suffer some of the distressing consequences of the disorder, like fatigue, dry mouth, and snoring. But these symptoms aren’t indicative of what happens to the brain during a sleep apnea episode. Studies suggest that sleep apnea may significantly increase a person’s risk of developing cognitive conditions like dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, and Parkinson’s disease. Sleep apnea doesn’t just affect the body. It may affect the brain.

At Silent Night Therapy, our sleep professionals are committed to keeping you up to date on the latest studies and trends about sleep apnea. They can explain the latest research that shows what happens to the brain during a case of sleep apnea. When you understand how the condition impacts your physical and mental well-being, you are more likely to seek the help and treatment you need.

How Does the Brain Respond to Sleep Apnea?

Studies show that nearly 40 million U.S. adults suffer from sleep apnea, a disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These interruptions in breathing patterns also interfere with a person’s normal sleep cycle, causing them to wake during the night. Obstructive sleep apnea, the most common form of sleep apnea, occurs when something physically blocks a person’s airway. Usually, the soft tissue at the back of a person’s throat collapses during sleep and blocks the airway.

The disruptions to a person’s breathing may not last long, but these abnormal breathing patterns are enough to decrease the levels of oxygenated blood that reach the brain. Decreased blood flow or ischemia and low oxygen levels or hypoxia can damage white matter in the brain. Without enough oxygen, the brain’s fundamental structure and normal functions can change, impairing overall brain function.

White matter is tissue deep in the brain which contains numerous nerve fibers. Nerve fibers connect different areas of the brain, allowing different parts of the brain to communicate with one another. Damage to the white matter of the brain can affect how brain cells communicate. Damage to this matter means cells may not signal properly, and the improper signals can impact cognitive functions like attention, memory, and visual processing.

Reduced oxygen to the brain can also lead to chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation in the brain causes neurodegeneration. Conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s are neurodegenerative diseases.

Other Effects of Sleep Apnea on the Brain

Some studies also indicate that sleep apnea and decreased levels of oxygen in the brain may change its size and shape. On average, the brains of troubled sleepers were almost 20 percent smaller than the brains of people without significant sleep conditions or issues.

Untreated sleep apnea may be responsible for significant cognitive issues like:

• Attention deficits
• Memory loss
• Impaired cognitive function
• Psychomotor functions
• Communication abilities
• Early cognitive decline

Sleep apnea isn’t just a breathing issue. It is a sleep disorder that can affect your overall physical and mental health when not treated properly.

You Can Find a Better Night’s Rest

The team at Silent Night Therapy can help you find better sleep solutions. Call our office today at 631-983-2463 to schedule a complimentary sleep evaluation.